Crunchyroll Celebrates Ani-May

Thanks to the rise of streaming, anime is bigger than ever, all around the world. Never ones to miss an opportunity for a good pun, Crunchyroll has established Ani-May, an annual month-long celebration of anime. And it is returning for 2025.

As part of the celebration, Crunchyroll will be streaming 20 hit series for free with ads, for the entirety of the month of May. They include Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba, Jujutsu Kaisen, Shangri-La Frontier, the first seasons of Solo Levelling and The Apothecary Diaries and more.

Fans can also expect new merchandise from a range of internationally beloved series including Solo Levelling (the number one streamed series on Crunchyroll in 2024), Kaiju No. 8, Bananya and supernatural comedy series Toilet Bound Hanako-kun. Also featured is merchandise from hit Shonen series My Hero Academia, The Apothecary Diaries and video game fantasy Overlord, and many more.

Crunchyroll Store will be participating with new and exclusive product launches, unbeatable deals and a special gift with all purchases- A Crunchyroll Exclusive Ani-May pin. Each week will highlight a different genre of products, with deals on popular items for collectors- action/adventure titles, shonen shows, and fantasy fan-favourites. Additionally, Crunchyroll Store will celebrate the nominees for Anime Of The Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, which take place on May 25.

Crunchyroll is partnering with local retailers to offer special deals and promotions. They include Uniqlo and Hot Topic in the United States, HMV in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Liverpool and Suburbia in Mexico, JJB Hifi, EB Games and Zing Pop Culture in Australia and Virgin Megastore Dubai.

Additional titles will be added to the Crunchyroll Game Vault, available to MegaFan members. Starting with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on April 30, new titles will be added weekly throughout the month of May. They range from acclaimed visual novels like Grisaia Phantom Trigger to cult horror classics such as Corpse Party.

“Anime isn’t just an entertainment medium; it’s a lifestyle. To celebrate anime’s explosive growth, we’re giving fans a variety of ways to express their anime passion during Ani-May - from all-new products across apparel, collectables, global activations, game collaborations, and new series streaming for free on Crunchyroll,” said Anna Songco Adamian, Vice President, Global Consumer Products. “Whether it’s through wearing their fandom on their sleeves or streaming their favourite series, Crunchyroll will have fans covered this Ani-May.”

Promotions in the United States include

• Throughout May, UNIQLO will be distributing Crunchyroll codes to customers, with eligible online UT purchases, that can be redeemed for a 30-day free trial of Crunchyroll*. UNIQLO has also partnered with Manga artist Remi Yamamoto to create UTme! Collection designs, available exclusively at their NYC flagship locations – UNIQLO Soho and UNIQLO 5th Avenue. New York City-based fans are invited to stop by UNIQLO’s 5th Avenue flagship location for a special activation on May 18th from 1pm-5pm with Remi, who will be providing complimentary live Manga portraits.

• Speciality retailer Hot Topic will celebrate Ani-May across its United States and Canada locations, and online at hottopic.com. Activations and special promotions, including exclusive anime merchandise, will be available all month.

• Electronics retailer Best Buy will be joining in on the Ani-May festivities with select products available both online and in-store, with an exclusive SPY x FAMILY pin included with eligible purchases at select stores.

• Planet Hollywood, themed restaurant and resort chain, is partnering with Crunchyroll to offer exclusive experiences, cocktails, dishes, and merchandise inspired by Ani-May’s select IPs.

• In celebration of a new JUJUTSU KAISEN x Funko Pop collection, Funko Pop will be hosting an autograph signing with the English voice cast of JUJUTSU KAISEN on May 3rd. Special Funko Hollywood Event Bundles will also be available! Event details can be found at @originalfunko and @funko_funime on Instagram.

• Back to celebrate Ani-May, Bananya is once again partnering with Fall Guys on a collection of skins, which will be available from May 1 to May 8. Featured characters include Bananya and Droopy Eared Bananya!

• Demon Slayer fans can gear up for the first film of the highly-anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy coming to theatres this September with a special Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train 4K re-release in theatres this May! Tickets are on sale now.